Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) In Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire

Nose surgery (Rhinoplasty) is a common plastic surgery procedure to reshape the nose in order to create a more pleasing look and, in some instances, to correct breathing problems. Surgery usually involves reducing the size of the nose but it can also increase nasal size.

The shape of the bridge, the tip and the nostrils can be changed, as can the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Results of nose surgery are unique to each individual, and depend upon such factors as skin condition and thickness, nasal and facial structure, genetic contributions, and age. In general, rhinoplasty provides the patients with a better facial balance and overall appearance.

Reasons for Considering Nose Surgery:

• Bring a better proportion to the nose and facial features.
• Reduce the size of the nose that is too large or too wide.
• Augment a nose with is too small or over treated.
• Correct an overly arched or “Roman” nose.
• Re-form a crooked or elongated nasal tip.
• Restore the nose if damaged from an accident or sports injury.
• Help with breathing problems by rebuilding the nasal passage.
• Treat nasal deformities caused at birth.

Note: If rhinoplasty is being utilised to correct a breathing problem or nose deformity, the procedure may be covered under the patient’s insurance policy.

General Procedure

There is always swelling and some bruising with nose surgery. Treatment is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. Many patients can go home on the day of surgery.

The extent of black eyes is variable and may take 2-3 weeks to settle. A splint is usually applied to support the nose and a pack is normally placed in your nostrils, which forces you to breath through your mouth.

The pack is usually removed before you go home. The splint is removed 5 days after surgery. Most of the swelling will have settled by then and you will have a very good idea of what your nose will look like.

Most patients can return to day to day activities by two weeks, but impact exercise is best deferred for a month. Surgery is not painful and only simple analgesia is required.

Try and avoid blowing your nose or sneezing down it whilst there is discomfort. The tissues of your nose will feel stiff and the skin will be numb for some months afterwards. Limitations and Complications Complications from nose surgery are unusual.

Limitations and Complications

Infection and bleeding problems are rare. The fine definition of the tip of your nose is limited by the thickness of the skin. Thick skin does not drape as accurately over changes in the underlying bone and cartilaginous framework. There may be a limit to the amount of reduction that can be achieved.

If your nose was bent from a previous injury, it may not be possible to make it perfectly straight. Occasionally revision surgery may be required to optimise the result. Breathing problems immediately after surgery are common. These usually settle as the swelling goes down but can persist for a few weeks.